[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 112 (Friday, August 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   TRIBUTE TO DR. VERMELLE J. JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2001

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Vermelle 
J. Johnson of South Carolina, who was recently appointed to the 
Commission on Higher Education. Dr. Johnson's long and illustrious 
career spans thirty eight years and includes many incredible 
accomplishments. I am sure her vast experience will serve her well at 
the Commission on Higher Education.
  Dr. Vennelle J. Johnson is leaving her post as Senior Vice President 
and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Claflin University in 
Orangeburg, South Carolina to accept her new appointment. Her stellar 
career was recognized at an evening of reflection and celebration on 
July 31, 2001 on the campus of Claflin College.
  Dr. Johnson began her career as an educator in the public school 
system in 1963. In 1969, she became an associate professor of business 
at South Carolina State University. Dr. Johnson moved to Claflin 
University in 1979, where she established and implemented a Department 
of Business Administration.
  She went back to the South Carolina State University as Professor and 
Dean of the School of Education in 1982, and in 1985 she became the 
Executive Vice President and Provost of the University, which at the 
time was the highest rank held by a female in the South Carolina public 
college/university system. In this position, Dr. Johnson established 
several significant new programs, such as a Master of Arts in Teaching 
and a Department of Nursing.
  In 1995 Dr. Johnson returned to Claflin to serve as Senior Vice 
President and Vice President for Academic Affairs. During this six-year 
tenure, Dr. Johnson conducted a complete overhaul of the academic 
curriculum, brought onboard five new academic Honor Societies and 
Fraternities, and increased faculty professional development and 
scholarly activity by more than 100%.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me today in honoring 
Dr. Vermelle J. Johnson for the incredible service she has provided to 
the students and citizens of South Carolina. I sincerely thank Dr. 
Johnson for her outstanding contributions and congratulate her on her 
recent appointment and wish her the best in all of her future 
endeavors.

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